What to do to Stay Focused?

With September just around the corner, it's back to a more work- and study-oriented lifestyle. With the return to class and work, some people will experience concentration difficulties.

It is not always easy to stay focused on your tasks. Fatigue and lack of concentration can lead to discouragement. However, there are many natural and safe solutions to stay focused.

To stay focused: support your blood sugar

To support concentration as much as possible, it is important to eat a balanced diet that includes sources of fat and protein at every meal and snack. According to the same guidelines given to people with hypoglycemia, simple carbohydrates such as bleached flours, sugar and juice should be avoided and replaced with more complex carbohydrates including fiber-rich fruits and vegetables and whole grains such as brown rice, oats, quinoa and barley. ^A

To get the day off to the best possible start, a smoothie is a great complement to a piece of toast, an egg or a muffin. To ensure the nutritional density of the smoothie, it should contain sources of good fats (MCT oil, nut butter, avocado) as well as a source of protein and fibre (fruit, vegetables, chia seeds, flaxseed, hemp hearts). For more information on theMCT oil, oil, click here.

This plant protein from Botanica brain-supporting plant protein is a great option to include in a smoothie. The Rhodiola in this protein powder reduces stress, improves mood and promotes focus and mental acuity.

For an easy to make protein smoothie recipe that the whole family will love, try the following recipe:

• 1 serving of Botanica plant-based protein brain booster
• 500 ml of water or unsweetened plant milk
• 2 tablespoons of fat of your choice (almond butter, MCT oil)
• 250 ml frozen strawberries
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds

To stay focused: Replace coffee

Coffee is the most widely used psychostimulant in the world. Although it is associated with increased productivity and focus, coffee can cause significant side effects in many people, including tremors, anxiety disorders, and feelings of overwork and exhaustion.

However, it is possible to replace coffee with a beverage that supports brain function without causing side effects. The Coffee Concentrator (Focus Fuel Coffee) made from medicinal mushrooms helps to increase concentration. Including omegas from natural sources, the focus coffee also contains MCT oil and bacopa, a plant used in Ayurveda for thousands of years to support brain and intellectual functions. In addition, bacopa acts as an adaptogen by modulating the response to anxiety.^B

To stay focused: take LTO3

The LTO3 is a natural alternative to Ritalin. When taken correctly and in the right dosage, the LTO3 rapidly improves attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity. The LTO3 is also indicated in cases of stress, anxiety, sleep disorders and exhaustion. Thanks to L-theanine, the formula acts on concentration by promoting a state of receptive calm. Sementis acts on physical and mental fatigue and skullcap combats excessive thoughts. ^C

This formula can be taken over a long period of time without causing addiction or dependency.

For a body weight of less than 100 pounds, the dosage is 2 capsules in the morning on an empty stomach 10 minutes before breakfast. For a body weight of more than 100 pounds, the dosage is 3 capsules in the morning on an empty stomach 10 minutes before breakfast. In more severe cases, two capsules can be added before the evening meal.

To stay focused: consume omegas

To fully support concentration, it is important to opt for an omega-3 with a high DHA content. This molecule is known to improve learning abilities, whereas a deficiency is associated with language disorders as well as learning and retention difficulties. ^D

The omega-3 with high DHA content are available in liquid or capsule form, in dosages suitable for both adults and children. While DHA extract from fish oil is the standard on the market, algae-based options are now available, which are suitable for vegan dieters.

Staying focused: diffusing essential oils

When inhaled, the active molecules in essential oils travel along the olfactory nerves to the brain. It is there that the molecules act and can modulate mood, perception and concentration.

Peppermint essential oil (EO) is often used to restore energy and focus. Breathing in a bottle of peppermint EO for a few seconds provides a stimulating effect. Lemon EO also acts quickly on mood and concentration. The combination of rosemary and spearmint essential oils improves concentration and memory, and protects the brain against oxidation. ^{D, E, F}

For a pleasant fragrance to diffuse that will support mood, concentration and energy, choose the essential oil complex Focus & Concentration from Now.

To stay focused: consider L-tyrosine

The L-tyrosine is an amino acid that stimulates the neurotransmitters of the catecholamine family. Catecholamines contribute to a feeling of liveliness and good mood while stimulating the ability to concentrate. People with attention deficit disorder or concentration difficulties benefit greatly from taking L-tyrosine as a supplement. L-tyrosine is an energizer and can also replace caffeine. It should be used with care in coffee drinkers, who will probably have to reduce their coffee consumption to avoid an overexciting effect. ^H

A dose of 500 mg to 1500 mg can be taken in the morning before breakfast. A second dose can be taken mid-morning. A final dose can be taken in the afternoon if concentration problems and mental fatigue increase with afternoon fatigue. ^H

Do not give up when faced with concentration problems. There are many natural and safe solutions. Try them today.

The team at La Boite à Grains
_______________________
Research and writing:
Véronique Cousineau, ND

Sources

1. Phillis, A. Balch, CNC. (2010). Prescription for nutritional healing, Fifth Edition (p. 233). Penguin Group publishers.
2. Stough C, Lloyd J, Clarke J, et al. The chronic effects of an extract of Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) on cognitive function in healthy human subjects [published correction appears in Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2015 Jul;232(13):2427. Dosage error in article text]. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2001;156(4):481-484.
3. White DJ, de Klerk S, Woods W, et al. Anti-Stress, Behavioural and Magnetoencephalography Effects of an l-Theanine-Based Nutrient Drink: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial. Nutrients. 2016;8(1):53. pii: E53
4. Farr SA, Niehoff ML, Ceddia MA, et al. Effect of botanical extracts containing carnosic acid or rosmarinic acid on learning and memory in SAMP8 mice. Physiol Behav. 2016;165:328-338.
5. Meamarbashi A, Rajabi A. The effects of peppermint on exercise performance. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2013;10(1):15. Published 2013 Mar 21.
6. Kiecolt-Glaser JK, Graham JE, Malarkey WB, Porter K, Lemeshow S, Glaser R. Olfactory influences on mood and autonomic, endocrine, and immune function. 2008;33(3):328-339
7. Horrocks LA, Yeo YK. Health benefits of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Pharmacol Res. 1999;40(3):211-225.
8. The Mood Cure. Julia Ross, M.A. Penguin Group publishing company. 2002